5 Ways To Look Awake After a Late Night

The holidays are around the corner, and that means it's time for lots of schmoozing—and not much sleep. To the rescue: these five fool-proof skin tricks that will undo (or at least disguise) the dark circles, puffy eyes, bloating, and other joyful party favors.

To get rid of dark circles, choose a creamy concealer that's slightly lighter than your skin. Apply it after foundation, so you don't use too much, and dot it only at the inner corners of the eyes and over the dark areas. (We love DuWop CircleBlock.)

To reduce morning bloat, apply a cold compress to your face for 10 to 15 minutes to bring down the swelling. (A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a paper towel will do.) Or, do a little subtle contouring: dust bronzer or tawny blush just below the cheekbones and blend outward. (Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Duo Bronzer is one of our favorites.)

To deflate puffy eyes, the old tea-bag trick works every time. The caffeine constricts blood vessels, the tannins reduce inflammation, and the pressure tamps down the puffiness. Just brew a cup, then let the bags cool in the refrigerator before you set them over your lids.

Add some sparkle to look instantly refreshed. Simply dab a tiny bit of shimmer cream right in that little hollow in the inner corners of the eyes. For those with a dark complexion, use a golden color. For pale skin, a silvery or pearlescent shade is best. Last, blend it well with a cotton swab. (We love to use Lorac Oil-Free Luminizer in Gold or Pearl.)